“There is a lot of untapped talent among disabled people. It is my intention to see them utilise their skills and refrain from begging and relying on donations from well wishers,” said Bisiwasi.
The 15 member group working at the centre has managed to produce a wide range of artifacts using minimal resources.
“Most of the artifacts made here need minimal capital because we use paper, bottle caps, broken glass, pieces of wire, bottles and cans,” said Bisiwasi.
Mabvuku/ Tafara NDAC was established in March 2011. The organisation seeks to capacitate disabled people with skills and expertise to complement their natural abilities.
“Some of our members are mentally challenged and some are disabled to the extent that they have problems handling anything, and we need equipment that is suited to their needs,” said Bisiwasi.
He lamented the poor facilities at the council property, which he claimed had no running water and electricity.
“The toilet here is in a very poor state because there is no water and we do not have containers to fetch water from alternative sources,” he added.
Bisiwasi appealed for the inclusion of people with disabilities at the UNWTO, which he said was a “ready market for upcoming artists like those working at the centre”.
According to the World Health Organisation, about 10 percent of the Zimbabwean population is comprised of people with disabilities. They lack access to health care and are vulnerable to poverty, physical, emotional and sexual abuse and neglect.
“People with disabilities face exclusion from education, employment, cultural activities, festivals, sports and social events among a host of other challenges,” stated the report.
Post published in: Business